Prepaid auto-rickshaw booths to address commuting woes in Noida

To address last mile connectivity issues, the Noida authority and Gautam Budh Nagar transport department have decided to open auto booths at various places for the benefit of commuters. Vinod Rajput reports.

To address last mile connectivity issues, the Noida authority and Gautam Budh Nagar transport department have decided to open auto booths at various places for the benefit of commuters especially office-goers, who complain of harassment at the hands of auto-rickshaw drivers who don't go by meter and overcharge.

The authority has asked Noida's auto-rickshaw union to identify locations for opening of booths, from where a passenger can hire pre-paid auto-rickshaws in the presence of traffic cops.

"A passenger will pay at the booth and get a receipt, which will be later given to the auto-driver. Passengers will give that receipt to the driver only when he is dropped to his destination comfortably. If auto driver misbehaves or doesn't drop at the right place, he will not be reimbursed at the booth. On misbehaving with a women passengers, auto drivers may also lose thier license," said an official.

The auto union is conducting a survey to identify locations to set-up booths.

"We will submit our report on booth locations on August 16. We think that 10-15 booths will be enough to offer a comfortable rides to passengers," said Omprakash Gujjar, president of Noida's auto-rickshaw union.

These booths will be at six metro stations and at places where most of the colleges and IT, BPO offices are located.

"Besides metro stations, booths will also be located in sector 62, 125, and 58 area, where most of the office-goers need to hire an auto-rickshaw to either reach to metro or other places," said Gujjar.

Each booth will be manned by traffic cops and transport officials to regulate and punish errant auto-rickshaw driver, officials said.

Officials said that they will also ensure that auto-rickshaw drivers and conductors wear uniform and identity cards for the safety of women passengers.

Officials said that Ghaziabad authorities had already set-up two booths in trans Hindon Area for passengers' comfort.

"No auto rickshaw drivers go by meter in Noida. I think the booth system will resolve this issue. It seems to be a good initiative," said Prerna Arora, an office-goer.